ISW: Is Russia using its soldiers to strengthen North Korea's military might?

The Russian Federation is reportedly sending servicemen to North Korea for medical treatment, though the true purpose appears to be exchanging military experience with the North Korean armed forces.

The US-based think tank Institute for the Study of War (ISW) highlighted the claim made by the Russian Ambassador to North Korea, Alexander Matsegora, who stated that Russia has sent “hundreds” of injured soldiers to North Korea for rehabilitation, per Caliber.Az.

However, Matsegora also mentioned that the DPRK had rejected Russia's offer to provide financial compensation for the treatment of these soldiers.

ISW analysts suggest that the decision to send the soldiers back to active duty, even without proper treatment, reflects a lack of concern for the health of Russian troops. This raises doubts about Russia’s official narrative that the soldiers are being sent to North Korea for recuperation.

In addition to providing medical treatment, the presence of experienced Russian military personnel in North Korea serves another strategic purpose: the exchange of military knowledge, particularly lessons learned from the war in Ukraine. This exchange allows Russia to bolster its ties with North Korea and enhance cooperation between its armed forces.

In late 2024, Russia engaged North Korean troops to participate in combat operations in the Kursk region of Ukraine. Ukrainian military sources reported that North Korean soldiers used mass attack tactics, resulting in significant casualties among their ranks. By mid-January 2025, South Korean intelligence suggested that North Korean troops had ceased participation in the fighting due to heavy losses. However, Ukrainian intelligence, led by Kyrylo Budanov, indicated that some North Korean soldiers remained at the front lines, requiring ongoing observation.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga further stated that North Korea is seeking advanced technologies from Russia, including missile, nuclear, and other military-related technology, in exchange for their involvement in the conflict.

By Tamilla Hasanova